IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1486 - Do art and music still have a place in modern world?
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Art and music are considered some of the fundamental elements of all societies, and some suggest that children should learn them at school.
Do you think art and music still have a place in today’s modern world of technology?
Should children spend more time learning art and music at school?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technology dominates many aspects of life, the value of traditional subjects like art and music is sometimes questioned. However, I believe that these subjects continue to play a vital role in the development of children and should remain an integral part of the school curriculum.
Firstly, art and music contribute significantly to the development of creativity and critical thinking skills. These subjects encourage students to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and express themselves in unique ways. For instance, a child who learns to play an instrument or create art may develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in other academic areas. Secondly, art and music education fosters cultural awareness and appreciation. In a globalized world, exposure to different forms of art and music enables students to understand and appreciate diverse cultures. For example, learning about classical music or visual arts from various regions helps children develop a broader perspective and respect for global heritage.
Children should indeed spend more time learning art and music at school, as these subjects provide essential benefits that support their overall development. Art and music nurture creativity, allowing children to think outside the box and develop problem-solving skills. For example, creating artwork or composing music encourages experimentation, which builds resilience and confidence in their abilities. Moreover, these subjects offer a valuable outlet for emotional expression, helping children process their feelings in a healthy and constructive way.
In conclusion, despite the prominence of technology in modern society, art and music continue to have a significant place in education. They not only enhance cognitive and emotional development but also help children become well-rounded individuals. Therefore, I firmly believe that schools should prioritize teaching these subjects to children.
Model Answer 2:
In today’s rapidly advancing technological world, the demand for skills related to science, engineering, and technology has never been higher. Given this shift, I believe that art and music hold a relatively minor place in education and that children should not spend excessive time on these subjects at school.
To begin with, the modern economy is largely driven by technology, and proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is crucial for success in today’s world. With industries such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology booming, children need to focus on acquiring technical skills that will be relevant in the workforce. For instance, learning coding, programming, and other technological skills can open doors to high-paying, future-oriented careers. By spending too much time on art and music, children risk missing out on the opportunity to develop these critical abilities.
Moreover, as technology continues to evolve, it is essential that students are prepared for the digital future. Subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science equip children with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the modern world. With the rapid pace of technological innovation, the job market will increasingly demand individuals who can contribute to technological advancements, not just appreciate traditional art forms. Therefore, by prioritizing art and music over more relevant subjects, schools could be doing students a disservice in preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.
In conclusion, while art and music offer valuable cultural and emotional benefits, their role in education should be limited. With the growing importance of science and technology, children should spend more time learning subjects that directly contribute to their future success and the advancement of society.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Art and music are considered some of the fundamental elements of all societies, and some suggest that children should learn them at school.
Do you think art and music still have a place in today’s modern world of technology?
Should children spend more time learning art and music at school?
Essay Type: Double Question Essay.
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
Should children spend more time learning art and music at school, or should the focus be on science and technology?
Arguments in Favour of Learning Art and Music:
Encourages creativity and emotional expression:
Art and music allow children to express themselves creatively and emotionally. These subjects foster imagination and build problem-solving skills that can be useful in other areas of life. For example, children who engage in music lessons or painting classes are encouraged to think creatively and learn to communicate complex ideas in visual or auditory forms.
Develops well-rounded individuals:
Including art and music in the curriculum contributes to the holistic development of children. It helps them balance intellectual and emotional intelligence, resulting in well-rounded individuals. For example, students involved in both academic subjects and arts tend to have better mental well-being and social interaction skills, enhancing their overall growth.
Improves focus and concentration:
Art and music often require intense focus and attention to detail, which can translate to better concentration in other areas of learning. For example, students who practice musical instruments or work on visual art projects tend to develop stronger attention spans, which can help them excel in subjects like mathematics or reading.
Promotes teamwork and collaboration:
Learning art and music, particularly in group settings, encourages collaboration and teamwork. These experiences teach children how to work with others towards a common goal. For example, in a school choir or band, students must collaborate with their peers to produce harmonious music, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
Increases cultural awareness:
Art and music expose children to diverse cultures, helping them appreciate different traditions and perspectives. For example, learning about classical music from various regions or creating visual art inspired by global cultures allows children to become more culturally aware and empathetic towards others.
Arguments Against Learning Art and Music More in School:
Focus should be on technical skills for the future:
In the modern world, the future job market is primarily driven by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Therefore, children should dedicate more time to developing technical skills that are essential for success. For example, learning coding, programming, or robotics can prepare children for high-demand careers in technology and innovation.
Limited resources should be directed towards more practical subjects:
Schools often have limited resources, and it may be more beneficial to allocate these resources toward STEM subjects that directly influence the economy and technological advancements. For example, countries with a strong focus on science education, like South Korea, have seen their students excel in technological fields, contributing to the nation's economic growth.
Art and music are less relevant in the digital age:
With the increasing importance of technology, subjects like art and music are less relevant compared to the demand for skills in digital literacy, programming, and data science. For example, in industries such as artificial intelligence or software engineering, the demand for creative problem-solving is more directly tied to technical knowledge than artistic ability.
Potential for distraction from core academic subjects:
Spending excessive time on non-essential subjects like art and music may divert attention from subjects that are critical for academic success and future employment opportunities. For example, students focusing too much on extracurricular arts activities may fall behind in subjects like mathematics or science, which are key to many modern professions.
Economic pressures to focus on market-driven education:
Given the rising costs of education, it is important for schools to focus on subjects that have clear economic value and lead directly to job opportunities.
For example, countries with a greater emphasis on STEM education tend to have better employment rates for graduates, which reflects the demand for practical, market-driven skills.
Model Answer 3:
Art and music are regarded as some of the cornerstones of all societies. Despite the emergence of advanced technologies, these artistic forms are still deeply ingrained in our societies as they have therapeutic power, and I think children ought to devote time to learning art and music at school because they encourage creativity.
Art and music have an amazing capacity to heal, offering comfort and solace to people dealing with mental health issues. This is because they have the natural ability to stimulate the brain and therefore release endorphins, a natural painkiller produced by the body. Thus, art and music can help people feel more relaxed and ease the pain they may be experiencing. For example, there is a large body of research which indicates that art therapy is particularly advantageous for people facing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It provides individuals with an engaging way to address trauma and emotional pain, alleviating emotional states.
I believe that children should spend a reasonable time learning art and music at school. This is because they can enhance creativity and critical thinking skills. That is to say, art and music develop creativity, inspiring children to devise new ideas and lateral thinking. By learning art and music, students can acquire problem-solving abilities, sharpen critical thinking skills and increase their capacity to approach challenges from several perspectives. When composing a piece of music, for instance, a child has to make creative choices and consider how different components work together.
In conclusion, I believe that art and music still have great significance in our contemporary world of technology due to their therapeutic value in treating mental illness. Therefore, children should dedicate more time to learning art and music at school because they encourage creativity and critical thinking.
Model Answer 4:
Art and music are pivotal facets of cultural expression and creativity, and they are often regarded as the rudimentary elements of society. In my opinion, they are still indispensable in today's technology-driven world, and despite the pervasive influence of technology, nurturing artistic and musical skills in children in schools should be encouraged.
Art and music undoubtedly maintain their significance in today's technology-driven world. Despite the proliferation of digital advancements, these creative domains offer unique experiences that technology cannot fully replicate. Art and music foster emotional expression, creativity, and cultural understanding, providing individuals with an avenue to convey thoughts and emotions that transcend the limitations of technology. For example, renowned artist Banksy's thought-provoking street art pieces have sparked global conversations, addressing social and political issues through visual expressions, creating an impact that resonates far beyond the digital realm.
In the modern world, where technology often dominates various aspects of life, the value of art and music education remains undiminished. This is why learners in school should spend more time learning art and music. These subjects offer unique benefits that cannot be replaced by technological advancements. They serve as outlets for creativity, enabling individuals to express emotions, thoughts, and cultural diversity in ways technology cannot emulate. Moreover, studies have consistently highlighted the positive correlation between art & music education and cognitive development, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, encouraging children to engage in artistic and musical activities can offer a much-needed break from the screen-dominated world, fostering mental well-being and reducing stress levels.
In conclusion, while technology undoubtedly plays a crucial role in modern education, the significance of art and music in nurturing creativity, emotional intelligence, and cognitive development cannot be understated. Schools should allocate sufficient time for art and music education to ensure children receive a balanced and comprehensive education.
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